Diminutive running back Justin Paderes plus the football have equalled big plays for Kaimuki this season.

At first glance, the 5-foot-2, 135-pound junior looks out of place in a sport of giants. But he hasn't only survived — he's dominated.

Paderes has 202 carries for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns for Kaimuki, which will face Kamehameha-Hawai'i tomorrow night at Kaiser in the first round of the First Hawaiian Bank State Division II Championships.

"He's everybody's hero because he's a little guy, he's humble and he's hard working," said Kaimuki head coach Darren Johnson.

Paderes first played football in the seventh grade for the Palolo Vikings. Ever since, he's been the smallest player on every team he's been on.

"Everybody's been doubting me (because of my size) so I use that to show them," said Paderes, who averages 6.8 yards per carry.

He has proved capable of handling a fairly large workload, averaging 18.4 carries per game for Kaimuki (10-1).

In the O'ahu Interscholastic Association White Division final against Roosevelt last week, Paderes ran the ball a season-high 31 times for 242 yards and two touchdowns in a 21-12 victory.

"He got stronger as we went along," Johnson said.

It was the Bulldogs' first OIA title and 10th consecutive victory.

"It felt great," Paderes said. "We hope to build the program more and have the kids come out for Kaimuki."

Johnson is concerned about the wear and tear on Paderes, but he's been relatively injury-free.

"We're always worried, but I guess you get to the point where you see him take the beating and he still gets up and he's still going. You get used to it," Johnson said.

Kaimuki's offensive line of Taue'etia Yandall, Robert Pologa, Dustin Uyeda, Alex Foster-Laifa and Albert Iokepa averages 260 pounds.

"I can hide behind them," Paderes said. "I'm happy I have good linemen and they're big ones, too."

Johnson added fullbacks Tevita Aholelei and Justin Poaha have been opening holes for Paderes as well.

Kaimuki, which was down to around 25 players last season, has 54 on its state tournament roster this season.

"We went out and recruited in the school, tried to get kids to come for football," Johnson said.

Kamehameha-Hawai'i (8-4), the Big Island Interscholastic Federation champion, will be making its third consecutive state tournament appearance. The school opened in 2001.

"I've been fortunate when we started the program we had some quality athletes and players," said Kamehameha-Hawai'i coach Ulima Afoa.

The Warriors will rely on running back Kolten Wong, who has 1,431 rushing yards this season, according to West Hawaii Today.

"He's one of the toughest kids I've ever been around," Afoa said. "He just has a great Warrior spirit."

Kamehameha-Hawai'i's offensive line has gone primarily with one freshman, three sophomores and one senior.

"The unfortunate thing is we have a young offensive line," Afoa said. "In the process of learning it's taken a toll on (Wong) a little bit."

Tomorrow night's winner will play Lahainaluna next Saturday at War Memorial Stadium.

Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com.